Recently, the "Meet in Shandong · Affection for China" 2024 Shandong-Taiwan Youth Cultural Exchange Festival officially commenced in Jinan, Shandong. The event saw the participation of over 200 Taiwanese youth students from institutions such as Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology and Pingtung University of Science and Technology.

The festival includes 35 activities, such as the Shandong-Taiwan Youth Science and Education Exchange Festival and the Shandong-Taiwan Outstanding High School Students' Chinese Culture Workshop. Over 800 Taiwanese students are expected to visit Shandong during the festival.

"This is my first time in Jinan, Shandong. This journey is both a cultural exploration and a valuable opportunity to promote exchanges," said Shih Min-No, a student representative from Pingtung University of Science and Technology, after visiting the Confucian Temple and Baotu Spring in Jinan. He emphasized that the future development of both sides hinges on the youth, and only through more exchanges and cooperation can shared growth and prosperity be achieved.

"Shandong is the cradle of Confucian culture, which resonates with Taiwanese students who study the Analects of Confucius," said Chan Yu-Hsiang, a student representative from National Taiwan University. He noted that the trip allows Taiwanese students to personally experience the rich cultural heritage of Shandong and enjoy the region's renowned cuisine. "We hope to exchange professional knowledge with Shandong students, inspire each other's potential, and build deeper friendships through mutual learning," he added.

 Professor Chu Kuo-Kuang from the Department of Marketing and Distribution Management at Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, who led the delegation, expressed that the trip allows Taiwanese students to gain a deeper understanding of mainland China's economy, culture, and societal aspects. He mentioned that the students, primarily from marketing and agribusiness management majors, are keenly interested in e-commerce and modern agricultural development.

 "I believe they will delve into the development of e-commerce and modern agriculture with mainland youth students. I also hope that they will foster friendships through these exchanges, injecting new vitality into the cooperation and development between young people across the Strait," Chu said.

Since 2005, the Shandong-Taiwan Youth Cultural Exchange has been held annually in Shandong Province, becoming a crucial channel for communication and understanding between young people from both sides, as well as an important platform for fostering friendships and deepening ties.

 (Li Xiaotong; Yuan Yuhua; Kuang Qiongqiong; Gong Lili; Hua Shan; Hou Yawen; Liu Xiaohan; Lou Xinyu; Hui Sheng; Gaoyuan; Lei Youting; Li Jinyang; An Shuo; Dou Zhuoran; )